The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the planet,” is facing significant challenges, with approximately one-third of it already lost or degraded. To aid in reforestation efforts, a dual-armed robotic gardener called YuMi, developed by ABB Robotics, has joined a resistance movement in Peru.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, over 870,000 square kilometers of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared since 1985, primarily for agricultural purposes. In an effort to protect 55,000 acres of the Peruvian Amazon, the non-profit organization Junglekeepers has enlisted the help of YuMi, a collaborative robot or cobot.
Moshin Kazmi, co-founder of Junglekeepers, emphasized the importance of technology in conservation efforts. With 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest already lost, incorporating technology such as YuMi allows for the acceleration and expansion of operations, advancing the organization’s mission. Having the robot at their base provides an opportunity for the rangers to learn and adapt to new ways of working in their conservation efforts.